Components & Fitting

Components & Fitting

 

Saddles:

  • Saddles come in various shapes and sizes to suit all needs
  • The majority attach to the seat post using the saddle rails
  • Most saddle rails will have the maximum distance fore and aft that you can slide the seat post along the saddle rails

  • Saddle angle is generally set horizontal front to rear, unless an in depth bike fit is being performed

 

Seat Post

  • Like saddles, seat posts come in a multitude of lengths, sizes (diameter), manufactured from different materials and fixing style
  • Seat posts today may not even be round and can come in various shapes, some even unique to the frame manufacture. See picture:

Lets look at diameter first;

  • Seat post diameters generally range from 22 mm to 35 mm in 0.2 mm increments
  • The most common size being 27.2mm
  • BMX models commonly use 25.4mm
  • The easiest way to check the size of the seat post is to remove the seat post from the bicycle and check for a stamp which should show you the size (see picture below, which is stamped 31.6mm diameter and 410mm in length)
  • If you cant locate the stamp or it is too worn to read you can use a calipers (see picture)

 

  • The saddle is attached to the seat post using a saddle clamp. The saddle clamp can be a separate part or a component of the seat post.

 

  • The seat post is attached to the frame using a seat post clamp/bolt, which can be a separate removable part or integral to the frame.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • As per the seat post, the clamp comes in various sizes. The size should be stamped on the old clamp or if not use a calipers to measure the old clamp or outside diameter of the bicycle seat tube.
  • The clamp can be fixed with a bolt (generally 13mm), a hex bolt or even a quick release lever

Fitting

  • When fitting the seat post to the saddle, ensure the saddle clamp (seat rail clamp)is fitted between the max for and aft marks on the rail. If in doubt fit the clamp in the center of the available fore and aft travel.
  • Torque to manufactures recommended figure
  • When fitting the seat post to the bicycle seat tube ensure the seat post has been cleaned and consult the manufactures guidelines in relation to lubrication.
  • We generally like to lightly grease seat posts to aid removal at the next service
  • Ensure the saddle is parallel with the top tube
  • Torque the seat post clamp to the manufactures setting when the correct height is set
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